In a recent Instagram post, a concerning claim suggested that former President Barack Obama ordered the removal of 500,000 pedophiles from a background check database. However, our investigation reveals that this assertion is false.

The post included a screenshot of a 2018 article from The People’s Voice, authored by Sean Adl-Tabatabai, known for running misinformation websites. The article cited The Washington Post and The Daily Caller as sources, alleging that Obama ordered the FBI to remove potential murderers and pedophiles from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

The truth behind the claim is quite different. The 2017 Washington Post report, which the article referenced, did report on the FBI purging individuals from the background check database, but they were categorized as “fugitives from justice,” not specifically pedophiles. This process started during Obama’s tenure but was finalized after Trump took office.

The Justice Department’s decision to narrow the definition of “fugitives from justice” led to the removal of approximately 500,000 names from the database. The change aimed to restrict the prohibition of gun purchases to fugitives who had crossed state lines to evade prosecution or testimony in criminal proceedings.

David Bowdich, then acting deputy director of the FBI, clarified in his congressional testimony that the decision was made under the previous administration, but he did not mention any direct order from Obama. It was the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel that interpreted the law differently.

Therefore, we conclude that the claim suggesting the removal of 500,000 pedophiles from the background check database under Obama is false. The database purge was related to the redefinition of “fugitives from justice,” and there is no evidence supporting the claim that the removed individuals were exclusively pedophiles.

In our efforts to combat false news and misinformation, we urge users not to spread misleading claims without proper verification. It is essential to rely on credible sources and factual information when discussing such matters. Let’s all contribute to a more informed and accurate online community.